Historical Comparison* ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH NEW YORK'S COMMERCIAL TERCENTENARY CELE- BRATION by the LOWER WALL STREET BUSI- NESS MEN'S ASSN. SATURDAY, OCTOBER THIRTY-FIRST NINETEEN HUNDRED and FOURTEEN 1914 New York's Commercial Tercentenary UNDER THE AUSPICES of the COMMISSION THE LOWER WALL STREET BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION A few Historical events as given by Historians compared with their actual occurrence. Hy ABRAM WAKEMAN, Secretary SATURDAY, OCTOBER THIRTY-FIRST NINETEEN HUNDRED^WFOURTEEN David T. V alentine PEAKING of New York's Tea Party, April 20th to 23rd, 1774. "Thus ended another of the brilliant exploits, by the inhabitants of Our City, which attracted the attention not only of the Colonists throughout America, inspiring them with courage, and leading them to action ; but also that of the people and the government in England, increasing the discontent of the one, and the determined hatred of the other. As in the case of the Stamp Act riots (No- vember 1st, 1765) and of the two days' conflict on Golden Hill (January iSth and 19th, 1770) so in this, it was an affair of the people, acting openly, deliberately and without disguise. They sought no concealment, either of marks or of darkness, and they hesitated not in taking the responsibility, each for himself, which their country seemed to require at their hands. Yet their names are unknown to us, with few exceptions, and while we admire the deeds and the spirit which prompted them, it is permitted us to say, as we do say, 'Thus spake New York.' It would not have been so and New York would have occupied her rightful position on the roll of fame. At least beside Massachusetts and Virginia, had she felt less regard for principles, and they more. Without seeking to establish a fictitious fame for her citizens by an annual oration, and, notwithstanding the efforts of pedagogues, of high and low degree, who have packed alike the school books and the 'standard his- tories' with the words of Massachusetts and Virginia, the city and the state of New York, relying on the deeds of their children, wait patiently for the justice which belongs to them, knowing that the day is not far distant when every one shall be rewarded according to his works." — David T. Valentine, Clerk of the Common Council, 1855. New York owes a debt of gratitude to David T. Valentine, who in his man- uals, has done more in bringing to light our City's early history than any of the great historians. Those who have had cause to make historical research will more fully appreciate this. That over half a century has passed since same was written and New York each year has dropped a little lower in the "Roll of Fame" is not owing to lack of interest but to the lack of unity of purpose. We have chosen a few prominent events, quoting accounts from ten of our most popular histories, using that of George Bancroft as the standard. In giving the actual facts same are from the official accounts, or from the newspapers of contemporary date; where there has been a doubt as to accuracy, have confirmed same from the papers of other cities. You will note how exag- gerated some accounts are, while historians have neglected others. HISTORIES CHOSEN FOR COMPARISON. History of the United States of America, by George Bancroft. A History of the United States, by Edward Channing McLean, Professor of History in Harvard University. American History and Government, by James Albert Woodburn, Ph.D., Professor of History and Politics in Indiana University, and Thomas Francis Moran, Ph.D., Professor of History and Economics in Purdue University. Essentials in American History, by Albert Bushnell Hart, Professor of History, Harvard University. The Beginnings of American Revolution, by Ellen Chase. 4 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association American History, by Robert Lewis Ashley. American History, by James A. James and Albert Sanford, Professors in the La Crosse, Wisconsin, Normal College, 1913. History of the American Nation, by Andrew C. McLoughlin, Professor of American History in the University of Michigan. The Leading Facts of American History, by D. H. Montgomery. An American History, by David Sayville Muzzey, Ph.D., Barnard College, Columbia University, New York. American History and Government, by Willis Mason West (Sometime) Professor of History and Head of the Department in the University of Minnesota. BATTLE OF GOLDEN HILL AS HISTORIANS GIVE IT. "The Liberty Pole raised by the people of New York in the park, stood safely for nearly three years. The soldiers, in February, resolved to cut it down and after three repulses succeeded. The people assembled in the fields to the number of three thousand, and without planning retaliation, expressed abhorrence of the soldiers as enemies to the constitution and to the peace of the city. The soldiers replied by an insulting placard ; and on two successive days engaged in an affray with the citizens, in which the latter had the advantage. The news- papers loudly celebrated the victory ; and the Sons of Liberty purchased a piece of land near the junction of Broadway and the high road to Boston and erected a pole strongly guarded by iron banks and bars and inscribed 'Liberty and Property.' Bancroft." "When the British soldiers came they found a hostile people. Their presence stirred up bad blood. In New York they cut down a liberty pole which the peo- ple had erected and that caused a riot." — Woodburn, page 12. West, Channing, Hart, Ashley, James and Sanford, McLoughlin, Montgom- ery, Muzzey, and Ellen Chase do not mention, "Golden Hill Battle." Actual Account. The Battle of Golden Hill, January 18th and 19th, 1770, was a riot between citizens and soldiers ; while a number were wounded none were killed. Unlike the "Boston Massacre," there was a principle involved. The Sons of Liberty were a "league," composed of many of the best citizens and devoted to the cause of liberty. From time immemorial a flagstaff called 'The Liberty Pole' has been the place where public notices were fastened. The Sons of Liberty had be- come custodian of such a pole, erected on the Common (City Hall Park) during the non-importation agreement. They enforced its enactment, holding numerous meetings at the Merchants Coffee House, calling for trial those accused of breaking its terms. In fact the Sons of Liberty were the leaders in all the pa- triotic demonstrations prior to the appointing of the Committee of Correspond- ence, 1774. As early as 1766 during the celebration of repeal of the Stamp Act, they erected a Liberty Pole on which was displayed a flag inscribed "The King- Pitt and Liberty." This enraged the Loyalists and on August 10th a party of soldiers cut it down. The pole now became Casus Belli. A meeting was held August nth, when it was agreed another pole should be raised. There was a fight between citizens and soldiers, quite a number being hurt. A strong body of New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 5 citizens assembled a few days later, however, and a fine pole was raised a second time to proclaim "The existence of the People triumphant" and to furnish a ral- lying place for the Sons of Liberty, September 23rd. This pole was cut down during the night; within two days a third pole was raised, March 18th, 1767. This was also prostrated on the 19th; another, the fourth, was raised. The fol- lowing night an unsuccessful attempt was made to blow it up. A watch was then put to guard it. During the night of the 21st the soldiers appeared, but were repulsed, also on the 22nd and 23rd. The Governor, foreseeing more serious trouble, forbade the soldiers from interfering with it. It was not until January 13th, 1770, that it was attacked, by soldiers belonging to the Sixteenth Regiment, but they were unsuccessful, and again on the night of the 14th, and 15th; on the night of the 16th, taking shelter in a ruined building, which stood near by, they secretly carried on their design and were successful, even in sawing the pole into pieces and in piling it up in front of the Montaignes' door. (Montaignes was the headquarters of the Sons of Liberty.) January 17th, 1770, "a meeting of upwards of three thousand assembled in the Commons" (City Hall Park) "to take the subject into consideration. Resolutions were passed declaring as ene- mies to the peace of the City, (and therefore subject to arrest), all the soldiers below the rank of orderly who appeared armed in the streets, and all, (armed or unarmed), who were found out of their barracks after roll call." The following day, the 18th, soldiers from the Sixteenth Regiment were caught posting placards casting insults on the Sons of Liberty and putting at defiance the authority of the citizens. They were taken to the Mayor's office ; during attempts to rescue them a severe contest took place on Golden Hill. The citizens maintained their ground for two days and finally triumphed. A large number were wounded. A committee waited on the Common Council, asking permission to erect another pole in the place of that which had been destroyed. This was refused, which further enraged the Sons of Liberty. Thereupon they purchased a piece of ground nearby the former site, eleven feet wide by one hundred feet deep ; on February 6th they raised on it a mast of great length, surmounted with a top mast and vane, on the latter of which Liberty, in large letters, was very conspicu- ous. On March 15th the soldiers attempted to destroy this, but it proved too strong, and becoming alarmed, retreated to their barracks. The Sons of Liberty purchased a house in Broadway, near the Liberty Pole lately kept by Mr. Edward Smith, (the site was later occupied by Barnum Museum), who called the same Hampden Hall. It was used as the place of meetings." From the above can readily be seen the great difference there was between the Battle of Golden Hill and the "Boston Massacre," both as to the manner in which they were conducted and the class of citizens taking part. Yet historians devote pages to one and fail to mention the other. Boston expended $10,000 in the erection of a Monument in Commemoration of the so-called "Boston Massacre," but to the honor of the Massachusetts Historical Society they strongly protested against it. As John Adams said, "The plain English is that they were probably a motlev rabble of saucy boys, negroes, mulattoes, and outlandish jack-tars, and why should we scru- ple to call such a set of people a mob, I cannot conceive, unless the name is too respectable for them." Alexander McDougal's Reception — February 10th, 1770. "Many of my friends who have honoured me with their visits since my op- pressive confinement in this place, have advised me, as I intended to devote a considerable part of my time to do justice to the public in the cause for which I am 6 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association imprisoned, to appoint an hour from which it will be most convenient for me to see my friends ; I do therefore hereby notify them I shall be glad of the honour of their company from three o'clock in the afternoon till six. I am, gentlemen, with great esteem and gratitude ." ^ yery humMe Alexander McDougall, February 10, 1770. March 5th, 1770. THE BOSTON MASSACRE. George Bancroft's Account, page 372. The evening of the fifth came. The young moon was shining in a cloudless winter sky, and its light was increased by a new fallen snow. Parties of soldiers were driving about the streets, making a parade of valour, challenging resistance, and striking the inhabitants indiscriminately with sticks or sheathed cutlasses. A band which poured out from Murray's barracks in Brattle street, arrived with clubs, cutlasses and bayonets, provoked resistance and a fray ensued. Ensign Maul at the gate of the barrack yard cried to the soldiers, "Turn out, and I will stand by you, kill them, stick them, knock them down ; run your bayonets through them." One soldier after another leveled a firelock, and threatened to make a line through the crowd. Just before nine, as an officer crossed King street, a barber's lad cried after him, "There goes a mean fellow who hath not paid my master for dressing his hair;" upon which the sentinel on the westerly end of the custom house, on the corner of King street and Exchange lane, left his post and with his musket gave the boy a strike on the head that made him stagger and cry for pain, (and so on for four pages). "The word 'fire,' given by Preston; he stepped a little on the side, and Montgomery shot Attucks, who at the time was quietly leaning on a long stick. The people immediately began to move off. 'Don't fire,' said Langford, the watchman, to Kilroe, looking him full in the face, yet he did so, and Samuel Gray, who was standing next to Langford, with his hands in his bosom, fell lifeless. The rest fired slowly in succession on the people who were for safety." etc. Three persons were killed, among those. Attucks, the mulatto. Eight were wounded, two of them mortally ; of the eleven, not more than one had had any share in the disturbance. When the men returned to take up the dead, the infuriated soldiers prepared to fire again, but were checked by Preston, while the Twenty-ninth Regiment appeared under arms in King Street. "This is our time," cried the soldiers of the Fourteenth and dogs were never more greedy for their prey," etc. There were eight pages devoted to this by Bancroft. "The event was therefore commemorated in Boston, as a victory for freedom until the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776," Channing, pages 129 to 131. There are long accounts by West, Ashley. San ford, McLoughlin, Montgomery, Muzzey, and Woodburn alone gives a fair account. Ellen Chase in "Beginning of the American Revolution" devotes seventy-five pages to the Boston Massacre. "In March, 1770, there was a fight between the troops and the populace in Boston, in which five persons were killed. Although the name "Boston Massacre" was applied to the unfortunate affair. Tohn Adams was so far from sympathy with the populace that he defended the Com- mander of the troops, who was acquitted. Two of the soldiers who fired without orders, under great provocation, were convicted of manslaughter and eventually were punished." Hart, page 142. New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 7 Actual Facts. New York Gazette and Mercury. Boston, March 8th, 1770. "Monday evening, the fifth of March, several of the soldiers of the Twenty- ninth Regiment were very abusive in the street with their cutlasses, striking a number of persons; about nine o'clock some young lads, going through a narrow alley that leads from Cornhill to Brattle street, met three soldiers — two of them had drawn cutlasses and one with a pair of tongs, who stopped the lads, and made a strike at them which they returned, having sticks in their hands. One of the lads was wounded in the arm ; presently ten or twelve soldiers came from the barracks with their cutlasses drawn, but not being able to go through the alley they went down toward the square and same up to Cornhill, when a scuffle ensued. Some, seeing the naked swords, ran and set the bells ringing. This collected the people, who at length made the soldiers return to their barracks. The people then dispersed, and returning home, some went up to Exchange Lane, at the corner of which was a sentry box, nigh to the Custom House. The sen- tinel, upon the people coming into King street, went from his box and stood on the steps of the Custom House door. Whether a signal was made, or a messen- ger sent, we are not able at present to say ; but a party of seven men, with an officer, came from the main guard over to the sentinel and formed in a half circle, facing the fourth side of King street, and loaded and pointed their guns breast high to the people, who had made a stop in the middle of the street, not imagining any danger; soon after, the word fire was heard, upon which one gun went off, and in a second or two others, so on to the last, which killed and wounded the following persons, viz. :" "This most shocking transaction alarmed the people. The bells were set ring- ing and all the inhabitants that were able assembled at the place where the mur- der was committed, while some were taking care of the dead and wounded and others were in a consultation what to do in this dreadful circumstance. The Twenty-ninth Regiment was under arms and drew up King street. His honor, the Lieutenant Governor, came immediately up to the Town House ; and there, with some of the Magistrate's Council and a number of Civil Magistrates, requested that they would let the matter subside for the night, prom- ising to do all in his power, that justice should be done and law have its force. The regiment being under arms, the inhabitants insisted that the soldiers should be ordered to their barracks first, which was done, then the people returned to their dwellings at about one o'clock ; at about three o'clock, Captain Preston, who com- manded the party, was committed to goal, and the next day the soldiers that fired were committed." The Official Account of the Boston Massacre. "A short narrative of the horrid massacre in Boston, perpetrated on the evening of the fifth day of March, 1770, by the soldiers of the Twenty-ninth Regiment, which, with the Fourteenth Regiment, were quartered there, with some observations on the state of things prior to that catastrophe, printed by the order of the Town of Boston, 1770. Then follows the official citation. The testimony was taken March 17th and 19th, about ten days after the affair. The report con- 8 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association taining a narration of the late massacre is submitted to the Town, in the name of the Committee, signed James Bowdoin. The committee were the Honorable, James Bowdoin, Dr. Joseph Warren and Samuel Pemberton, Attest William Cowper, Town Clerk." "The actors in the dreadful tragedy were a party of soldiers commanded by Captain Preston, of the Twenty-ninth Regiment. This party, including the Cap- tain, consisted of eight, who were committed to the goal. Their depositions in this affair, which mentions that several guns were fired at the same time from the Custom House, before which this shocking scene was exhibited. It seems at first one gun was fired, then two, then three, immediately after five were dis- charged, from the balcony of the windows of the Custom House. The flashes that appeared from on the left hand were higher than the right hand flashes." The depositions of the witnesses are then given. The following is the finding of the Committee : "The cause which gave occasion to the melancholy event of the evening seems to be this. A difference having happened near Mr. Gray's rope- walk, between a soldier and a man belonging to it, the soldier challenged the rope-walker to a boxing match. The challenge was accepted by one of them, and the soldier worsted. He ran to the barracks in the neighborhood, and returned with several of his companions. The fray was renewed and the soldiers driven off. They soon returned with recruits and were again worsted. This happened several times, till at length a considerable body of the soldiers collected and they were also driven off. The rope-walkers having been joined by their brethren of the contiguous rope-walks. By this time Mr. Gray being alarmed, interposed, and with the assistance of some gentlemen prevented further disturbance. To satisfy the soldiers, and punish the man who had been the occasion of the first difference, and as an example to the rest, he turned him out of his service, and waited on Colonel Dalrumple, the commanding officer of the troops, and with him concerted manners for preventing further mischief. Although this ended the affair, it made a strong impression on the soldiers in general, who thought the honor of the regiment concerned, to take revenge upon the inhabitants of the town indis- criminately, and this was done in the evening of the fifth instant or soon after, as appears by the deposition of the following persons. There were five killed and six wounded. On March 19th, 1770, the report was read and considered upon, voted unanimously that the same be accepted. That it be immediately printed and copies sent to the Right Honorable Isaac Barro, Esq., one of his Majesty's most honorable Privy Council ; Thomas Pownell, Esq., late Governor of Massa- chusetts ; William Ballan, Esq., Agent for the House of Representatives ; Ben- jamin Franklin, Esq., L.L.D., and Barton Trecthick, Esq., a member of Parlia- ment for the City of London. Attest William Cowper, Town Clerk." Through the whole of the investigation of the Town, there is not one pa- triotic thought expressed, neither liberty, nor rights involved. It was as John Adams stated, "A mob out for a fight." Supplement to Parker's New York Gazette. Being an account of the Boston Massacre, at Boston. March 12th, 1770. "Our readers will doubtlessly expect a circumstantial account of the tragical affair on last Monday night, but we hope they will excuse our not being so par- ticular as we should have been, had we not seen that the town was intending an inquiry and full representation thereof." New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 9 The Boston Tea Party, December 16, 1773. Historian's Account. There has been no event to which historians have given so much space, as the above "Tea Party." George Bancroft, devotes seven pages. Ellen Chase, in "The Beginning's of the American Revolution," not only gives the names of those who took part, but their age, how they were dressed, where they obtained the soot to disguise their faces, what each said before starting, and the story they told on their return, in all fifty-two pages of her work is taken by this event. Most historians give an account very similar to that of Bancroft. A very inter- esting book called, "Tea Leaves," is devoted to this occurrence. Edward L. Pierce's "Recollection, as a Source of History," in the proceedings of the Massa- chusetts Historical Society, for March, 1896. "No one of its (the tea party's) numbers are known by satisfactory proof." "It had been dark for more than an hour. A delay of a few hours would place the tea under the protection of the Admiral at the Castle. The church (Old South) in which they met was dimly lighted by candles. When at a quarter before six, Rotch appeared and related that the Governor would not grant him a pass, because his ship was not properly cleared. As soon as he had finished his report, loud shouts were uttered ; then Samuel Adams rose and gave the word, "This meeting can do nothing more to save the Country." On the instant a cry was heard at the porch, the war-whoops resounded; a body of men forty or fifty in number, clad in blankets as Indians, each holding a hatchet, passed by the door, and encouraged by Samuel Adams, Hancock, and others, and increased on the way to a near two hundred, marched two by two to Griffin's Wharf, posted guards to prevent the intrusion of spies, took possession of the three tea-ships, and in about three hours three hundred and forty chests of tea, being the whole quantity imported, were emptied into the bay, without the least injury to other property. "All things were conducted with great order, decency, and in perfect submission to Government." The people who looked on were so still, that the noise of breaking open the tea-chests was plainly heard. After the work was done the town became as quiet as if it had been holy time." — Bancroft, page 456. Actual Account. Minutes Committee of Correspondence Boston Tea Party, Official. "The following is a copy of what was wrote to Thomas Whifflin and George Claymore, Esq., of Philadelphia, and Philip Livingston and Samuel Broome, Esq., of New York, by Mr. Paul Revere, who was sent express for that pur- pose, viz : "Boston, December 17th, 1773. "Gentlemen : "Yesterday we had a greater meeting of the Body than ever, the country coming in from Twenty miles round, and many steps were taken that were prac- ticable for entering the tea, the moment it was known out of doors that Mr. Rotch could not obtain a Pass for his ship by the Castle, a number of people huzzaed in the streets and in a very little time every ounce of tea on board of the Captains, Hall, Bruce, and Coffin were immersed in the bay without the least 10 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association Notification. : - , THE Town having at a latcMceting appointed aCoffl J mitt Samuel Adams. (This zvas written by Samuel Adams.) "P. S. — The other vessel, viz. Capt. Louing, belonging to Mess. Clark, was by the Act of God cast on shore on the beach of Cape Cod." Boston Tea Party, Actual Account. "New York Weekly Journal." December 27th, 1774. Boston, December 16th. "The committee assembled at Old South Meeting House. Having met on Thursday morning, ten o'clock, they sent for Mr. Rotch, New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 11 (owner of the ship 'Dartmouth') and asked him if he had been to the collector and demanded a clearance? He said he had, but the collector said that he could not consistently with his duty, give him a clearance till all the dutiable articles were out of his ship. They then demanded of him whether he had protested against the collector, he said he had not. They ordered him, (by the Act, any du- tiable goods on board a vessel after lying 20 days in harbor, became liable to the payment of duties). The people waited till the last day and in a few hours the ship — to secure the duties then payable — was to have been delivered to the cus- tody of the man of war upon his peril, to give immediate directions to the Captain to get his ship ready for sea that day, enter a protest immediately against the Custom House and then proceed directly to the Governor, (who was at Milton, 7 miles off) and demand a pass for his ship to go by the castle. They then ad- journed to 3 o'clock, p. m., to wait Mr. Rotch's return. Having met according to adjournment. These were the fullest meetings ever known, (it was reckoned that there were two thousand men from the country ) . They waited patiently till about five o'clock, when finding that Mr. Rotch did not return, they began to be very uneasy, called for a dissolution of the meeting and finally obtained a vote for it. But the more moderate part of the meeting, fearing what would be the consequences, begged that they would reconsider their vote, and wait till Mr. Rotch's return, for this reason they ought to do everything in their power to send the tea back according to their resolves. A vote then passed to remain together one hour longer, and about three-quarters of an hour Mr. Rotch returned. His answer from the Governor was that he could not get a pass till the ship was cleared by the Custom House. The people immediately, as if one voice called for a dissolution, which being obtained, they repaired to Griffin's Wharf, where the tea vessels lay, proceeded to fix tackle, and hoist the tea upon the deck, cut the chests to pieces, and threw the tea over the side. (There were two ships and a brig. Capts. Hall, Bruce and Coffin, each vessel having 114 chests of tea on board.) They began upon the two ships first, as they had nothing on board but the tea, then proceeded to the brig, which had been hauled to the wharf, but the day before, and had but a small part of the cargo out. The Captain of the brig begged they would not begin with his vessel, as the tea was covered with goods, belonging to the different merchants in Town. They told him the tea they wanted and the tea they would have, but if he^would go into his cabin quietly, not one article of his goods would be hurt. They immediately proceeded to remove the goods and then to dispose of the tea. It was expected that the men of war would have interfered as all Captains and other officers were ordered on board their ships before night, and the day before there were six dozen of lanthorns sent on board, the Admiral's ship, the 'King Fisher,' and several armed schooners were rigged and fitted for sea, and the 'Gaspee' armed brig arrived that day from Rhode Island, but the people were determined. It is to be observed that they are extremely careful that not any of the tea should be stolen, so kept a good look out and detected one man, filling his pockets, whom they treated very roughly, by tearing his coat off his back, and driving him up the wharf through thousands of people who cuffed and kicked him as he passed." New York, December 27th. "We have the inexpressible satisfaction in acquainting our Readers that is de- termined on the arrival of the ship 'Nancy,' Captain Lockyer with the tea from the Honorable East India Company. The commander will be made acquainted with the Sentiments of the Inhabitants respecting the Shipping of that Article, which will undoubtedly occasion his return with it in Statu quo to England." 12 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association Boston Tea Party, Pennsylvania Gazette, Friday evening Five O'Clock, December 14th, 1773. "The people immediately as with one voice called for dissolution, which, having obtained, they repaired to Griffin's Wharf, where tea vessels lay, proceeded to fix tackles and hoisted the tea upon deck, cut the chests to pieces and threw the tea over the side. There were two ships and a brig, Captains Hall, Bruce and Coffin. Each vessel having 114 chests of tea on board; they began upon the two ships first as they had nothing aboard but the tea, then proceeded to the brig, which had been hauled to the Wharf but the day before. The Captain of the brig begged they would not begin with his vessel, as the tea was covered with goods belonging to different merchants in town. They told him the tea was wanted, and the tea they would have ; but if he would go into his cabin quietly not one article of his goods should be hurt. They immediately proceeded to remove the goods and then to dispose of the tea." "Pennsylvania Journal" and "New York Advertiser," same account as above. From "Tea Leaves." "Protest of Captain James Bruce of the Eleanor against the destroyers of the tea. That about the hour of 6 or 7 o'clock in the same evening about one thousand unknown people came down the said wharf and a number of them came on board the said ship, some being dressed as Indians and they having violently broke open the hatches, hoisted up said chests of tea upon deck, and then and there, stove and threw the said chests with their contents into the water where the whole was lost and destroyed." Signers. "James Bruce, "James Bruce, Jr., "John (X) Turner, "Jno. Morris, Notary Public, nth January, 1774." Extract from Log Book Of the Dartmouth. "Thursday, December 16th. This twenty-four hours' rainy weather, termi- nating this day. Between six and seven o'clock this evening came down to the wharf a body of about one thousand people, among them were a number dressed and whooping like Indians. They came on board the ship, and after warning myself and the custom house officers to get out of the way, they undid the hatches and went down the hold, where was eighty whole and thirty half chests of tea, which they hoisted upon deck and cut the chests to pieces, and hove the tea all overboard, where it was damaged and lost." "A letter addressed to George Dudley, Esq., enclosing a Boston newspaper dated Boston, New England, 17th December, 1773, gives a long account of the tea party, but makes no mention of any Indians." "Traits of the Tea Party," being a Memoir of George R. T. Harris. One of the Last of its Survivors, by a Bostonian, Bent. Bussey Thatcher. I835- Page 179. "We find no reason to believe that the number of persons who assumed the Indians' disguise on this occasion was very considerable, probably New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 13 not more than fifteen or twenty. A good many joined in the act of breaking up the boxes, however, who disguised themselves in the best manner they could." Page 263. "This commander acted as a sort of interpreter, too, for the persons, apparently some five or six aboard each vessel, who especially assumed the Indian's guise. These were, no doubt, (who ever they were) among the prin- cipal immediate directors of the whole affair." This coincides with the first accounts given by the contemporary newspapers. That published in the New York Weekly Journal, whose account was dated Boston, May 16th, the evening of the occurrence. The Pennsylvania Gazette, of December 24th, does not make any mention of Indians. The log book of the Dartmouth says a "number dressed and whooping like Indians." The Massachusetts Gazette, published a week after the occurrence, is the first to give the Indian story, "a number of brave and resolute men dressed in the Indian manner approached near the door of the assembly and gave a war whoop," etc. New York Tea Party. As given by Historians. Bancroft's Version. "On the day on which the House of Commons were voting not to repeal the duty on tea, the people of New York sent back the tea ships which had arrived the day before and eighteen chests of tea found on board another vessel were hoisted on deck and emptied into the slip." "At New York, Annapolis and Philadelphia the authorities were intimidated into sending the tea ships back to England." — West. "The vessels bringing tea to Philadelphia and New York were allowed by the authorities to leave port without landing their cargoes." — Channing. "In Philadelphia, New York, and other places, upon the arrival of the tea ships, they were sent back without unloading." — Hart, page 145. The Tea Tax. "At Philadelphia and later at New York the vessels were sent back to England." — Ashley. "Cargoes were likewise despatched to New York, Philadelphia and Charles- ton, but they were sent back or destroyed." — Montgomery. "The cargoes of tea which the East India Company's ships brought over to American ports were rudely received. Philadelphia and New York refused to let the ships land." — Muzzey, page 120. No mention, Woodburn and Moran. No mention, McLougiilin. "In New York and Philadelphia cargoes were sent back." — James Alten, James and Albert Hart Sanford. New York Tea Party, Actual Account. The understanding between the colonies being vessels with tea should not be allowed to come to their wharfs, as after being in port for twenty days goods on which duty had not paid were seized and sold for account of the Government. April 18th, 1774. "The tea ship 'Nancy,' Captain Lockyer, arrived off Sandy Hook, she having suffered from violent storm on April 2nd, having lost her mizzen mast and anchor, and her main top mast sprung." The pilots of the port refused to bring her further than the Hook, where she was taken in custody of Committee of fourteen or fifteen of the Sons of Liberty. The Committee permitted the Captain to visit the city in their charge in order to procure supplies for the repair of his ship. They were met at the wharf by a large number of 14 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association citizens. Mr. White, the consignee, refused to receive the cargo and advised its return to Europe, having nearly completed the outfit of his vessel, which was still in charge of the Committee." The following hand bill was posted throughout the city. "To the Public : The sense of the city relative to the landing of the East India Company's tea being signified to Captain Lockyer by the Committee, nevertheless it is the desire of a number of citizens that at his departure from hence, he shall see, with his own eyes, their detestation of the measures pursued by the Ministry, and the India Company, to enslave this country. This will be declared by the Convention of the People at his dparture from this city, which will be on next Saturday morning at 9 o'clock, when, no doubt, every friend to this country will attend. The bells will give the notice an hour before he embarks from Murray's Wharf. New York, April 2ist, 1774. By order of the Committee." April 22nd. "The ship 'London,' Captain Chambers, arrived. The Vigilance Committee of the Sons had received information from Philadelphia that eighteen chests of tea were aboard this ship, and although Captain Chambers assured the pilots he had no tea on board, the ship was brought too off the Hook and a sub- committee visited her. The Captain persisted in his denial, and his manifest and cockets gave no evidence against him. The ship was permitted to come up to the city, the sub-committee being still on board, and on reaching the wharf about 4 p. m. the entire Committee went on board and ordered the hatches to be opened, declaring their conviction that tea was on board, and that every package should be opened, if necessary, in order to find it. Finding it impossible to evade the Com- mittee, the Captain at length acknowledged that he had eighteen chests on board belonging to himself, and gave up the cocket which he had previously concealed. The Committee, the owners of the ship, and the Captain, then returned to Fraunces Tavern, leaving the people on the wharf, but, after the most mature deliberation, it was determined to communicate the whole sense of the matter to the people, who were convened near the ship, which was accordingly done. The 'Mohawks' were prepared to do their duty at a proper hour, but the body of the people were so impatient that before it arrived a number of them entered the ship about 8 p. m., took out the tea which was at hand, broke the cases, and started their contents into the river without doing any damage to the ship or cargo. Several persons of reputation were placed below to keep tally and about the companion to prevent ill-disposed persons from going below the dock. At 10 o'clock the people all dispersed in good order, but in great wrath with the Cap- tain ; and it was not without some risk of his life that he escaped." "No disguise of any kind was adopted or worn to shelter the person of those who participated in the work from observation or identification. It was a work which the public weal required and it was done openly by the parties interested, and in the pres- ence of all who saw fit to witness it." "At length (April 23rd, 1774), the day appointed to return Captain Lockyer to his ship, arrived, and the people, pursuant to previous notices, assembled in greater numbers than ever before, to escort him to the wharf and to prove to him and through him, to the Crown, the general feeling of opposition to the measure. He was lodged at the Coffee House, (in Wall street opposite the pres- ent Tontine Building), and when the Committee who had him in charge brought him out on the balcony, the band struck up, "God Save the King," while shouts of triumph ascended from the people below. A procession was then formed, and he was escorted to the foot of the street, placed on the sloop, and, with the Committee who guarded him, carried down to the ship. On Sunday, at 10 a. m., the ship and the sloop, with the Committee, weighed anchors and stood New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 15 to sea; and at 2 p. m. the pilot boat and the Committee's sloop left her at the distance of three leagues from the Hook. Captain Chambers, of the London, accompanied him as a passenger. The event was heralded to the world by the ringing of every bell in the city except those on the City Hall and Columbia Col- lege; the ships in the harbor raised their colors in triumph; the Liberty Pole was also dressed in colors; and a royal salute of artillery from the foot of the Pole, concluded the ceremony." — From Manual of the Common Council of New York, i855- From American Archives Series, Vol. 1, page 250. Lieutenant Governor Coldian's letter to the Earl of Dartmouth, dated May 4th, 1774, confirms the above account in every respect. The cargo of the "Nancy" consisted of 698 chests of tea. Letter from consignees to Captain Lockyer. From "Tea Leaves." "New York, December 27th, 1773. "Sir: "It is our intention that this letter should meet you below, at the Hook, that you may be apprized of the danger of bringing your ship into port. All the tea shipped by the Honorable East India Company to Boston has been destroyed on board the vessels that brought it. The ship Polly, Captain Ayres, arrived lately at Philadelphia, with tea destined for that port, and was compelled to return with it without being suffered to come into the harbor, and there are ad- vices in town that Charleston has made the same determination with respect to the tea arrived at South Carolina, and you may be assured the inhabitants of this city have adopted the same sentiments and are fully determined to carry them into execution. We therefore think it a duty we owe to the said company, as we can neither receive the tea or pay the duty, to apprize you of your danger, and to give you our opinion that for the safety of your cargo, your vessel and your person, it will be most prudent for you to return as soon as you can be sup- plied with such necessaries as you may have occasion for on the voyage. Certain we are that you would fully concur in the propriety of this advice were you as well acquainted with the people's sentiments as we are, which you will learn from the enclosed papers. We shall be glad to hear from you in answer hereto, and to render any service we can in your critical situation. "We are your most obedient servants, Henry White. Abram Lott & Co. Pigno & Booth. To Captain Benjamin Lockyer, of the ship "Nancy." Letter from Captain Lockyer to the agents tendering the cargo. "New York, April 20th, 1774. "Gentlemen : "Having considered the circumstances mentioned in your letter, which I re- ceived on my arrival, I have left the ship and cargo at Sandy Hook for their safety. Have now waited on you, with a tender, the cargo of tea shipped by the Honorable East India Company and consigned to you. I am therefore ready to deliver the said cargo according to the bill of lading. ' "lam, "Benjamin Lockyer. "Messrs. White, Lott, Booth. "They refuse to take charge of same or any part thereof." 16 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association Committee of Correspondence, 1772. From Dr. Edward D. Collins, in Annual Report of American Historical Association, 1901, Vol. 1. "Committees of Correspondence of the American Revolution." "As a starting point for the study, we may take November 2, 1772, and say that there for all practicable purposes, the Committee of Correspondence began its life as a local institution of the Revolution and that Samuel Adams was its promoter. Its importance as piece of revolutionary machinery can hardly be overestimated. It was not merely a channel through which public opinion might flow ; it created public opinion and played upon it to further events. It was a mother of committees and these committees, local and intercolonial, worked up the war. It initiated measures, and its activities comprehended legislative, execu- tive and judicial functions. It was the germ of a government." November 3rd, 1772. From Minutes Boston Committee of Correspondence. "Committee of Correspondence met at the Representatives Chambers, where the following vote of the Town of Boston, at their last meeting, November 2nd, 1772, was received, viz: Upon a motion made by Mr. Samuel Adams, voted the Hon. James Otis, Esq., Mr. Samuel Adams, Dr. Joseph Warren, Dr. Benja- min Church, and Mr. William Dohnie, be, and hereby are, appointed a Commit- tee of Correspondence to state the Rights of the Colonies, and of this province in particular, as men, as Christians, and as subjects: "Secrecy. Upon motion made and seconded, it was voted unanimously. "Enjoined, that each member of the Committee be desired to declare to the Chairman of the Committee, that he does hold himself bound in honor, not to divulge or make known any part of the Conversation of this Committee at their meetings, to any person whatsoever, excepting what the Committee shall judge proper to lay before the Town or make known in their capacity of a Committee." Birth of the Union. While November 2nd, 1772, Committee of Correspondence, is generally acknowledged as date of the beginning of the Revolution, May 23rd, 1774, should be considered as that of the Union. Historians have acceded to Massachusetts the honor and fixed the date June 17th, 1774, while to New York belongs the honor. Having found the correspondence between the principal committees relating to same, some of which are now for the first time published. That you may judge and learn of the great injustice that has been done in robbing New York of this great honor. I give them in full. As Given by Historians. "The inception of the Continental Congress, 1774, was the last achievement of the Sons of Liberty of New York. On the evening of the sixteenth of May they convoked the inhabitants of their city. Two parties appeared in array, on the one side men of property, on the other, tradesmen and mechanics, foreboding a revolution they seemed to contend in advance whether their future Govern- ment should be founded upon the basis of property or purely popular principles. The mass of the people were ready to form a new social order in which they New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 17 would rule, but on that day they chose to follow the wealthier class, if it would but make with them a common cause, and nomination of the committee was ac- cepted, even with the addition of Isaac Low as its chairman, who was more of a Loyalist than a patriot. . . . The Legislature of Massachusetts on the last Wednesday of May organized the Government for the year. . . . On Sat- urday, the 28th, Samuel Adams was on the point of proposing a general Congress when the assembly was unexpectedly prorogued to meet after ten days at Salem." — Bancroft, Vol. 4, page 9. "Expressions of sympathy now came to Massachusetts from all over the Colonies. The Virginia Burgesses appointed the day on which the Intolerable Acts were to go into force as a day of fasting and prayer ; and when they were dismissed by their royal Governor for showing sympathy with 'rebels' they promptly met again in the Raleigh tavern and proposed an Annual Congress of Committees from all the Colonies. The Virginia suggestion met with favor and on September 5th, 1774, the first Continental Congress met in Carpenter's Hall." — Muzzey, page 122. "The days went by and the Tories did not dream of Adams' plans by means of private caucuses held in the evening, however, those were quickly perfected, and on the seventeenth day of June, 129 members being present, a resolution awoke them from their drowsy security. This was to appoint James Bowdoin, Samuel and John Adams and Robert Treat Paine, of Taunton, delegates to the proposed Continental Congress at Philadelphia the following September." — Ellen Chase. First Continental Congress. "The first official response came from Virginia, May 24th. On the following day the Ex. Burgesses met at Raleigh tavern and recommended an Annual Congress of Delegates from all the Colonies to deliberate on these general meas- ures which the united interests of America may from time to time require. A second meeting, on May 31st, called the Virginia delegates to meet at Williams- burg on August 1st, in order to appoint Virginia's delegates for the proposed Continental Congress and to consider a plan for non-intercourse with England. The counties generally ratified this call by expressly authorizing their Ex. Bur- gesses to act for them at that meeting, or by choosing new representatives to do so. Here were the germs of revolutionary machinery, county, state, continental On receipt of the Virginia suggestion the Rhode Island Assembly appointed dele- gates for the general Congress, June 15th. Time and place had not yet been named, but two days later the Massachusetts Assembly supplied the omission, and before August 20th all the colonies but Georgia had chosen delegate for the First Continental Congress, to meet September 1st, at Philadelphia."— West, page 209 Birth of a New Nation. "The last act of the Massachusetts House of Representatives under the Old Charter was to propose (June 17th, 1774) a Colonial Congress, already informally suggested in Virginia."— Hart, page 149. "The first Continental Congress. ... All credit given to Massachu- setts. ... No mention of New York."— Ashley, page 149. 18 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association "From the Massachusetts Assembly there came the proposal for a Congress to be held at Philadelphia, September ist, 1774. No mention of New York." — Sanford, page 152. "The first Continental Congress. New York not mentioned." — McLough- lin, page 185. "The First Continental Congress Committees of Correspondence had pre- pared the Colonies for united action, and in 1774, a ContinentalCongress, the first ever held in America, met in Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia." — Montgom- ery, page 159. The First Continental Congress, 1774. "Through their Committee of Cor- respondence several Assemblies suggested a Congress of the Colonies. Massa- chusetts issued the call." — Woodburn, page 131. Facts Relating to First Continental Congress. From Boston Committee of Correspondence. To Alexander McDougal and Isaac Low, Esq., of New York and Thomas Mifflin and George Clymer, Esq., at Philadelphia. "Boston, December 6th, 1773. "The Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Boston have much la- mented the precariousness and uncertainty of reasonable and authentic intelli- gence from your city regarding matters of public concernment, address you with their request that you would be kind enough to advise them duly of all matters relative to our common interests and security which may come to your knowl- edge, especially what may occur in your Province and City, and if it might be agreeable, they should be glad you would use your influence with your fellow citizens at any future meeting to appoint a similar Committee of Correspondence, for the important purpose above mentioned. Your reputation for patriotism and constant exertions for the promoting and security of the Common Cause are their only apology for their address, and induce them to rest in confidence, That you will readily gratify their wishes in the above proposal." Committee of Correspondence Letters. Boston to New York. "Gentlemen: "Boston, May 13th, 1774. "We have just received a copy of an Act of the British Parliament passed in the present session, whereby the Town of Boston is treated in a manner most ignominious, cruel and unjust. The Parliament has taken upon them, from the representations of our Governor and other persons inimical to and deeply pre- judged against the inhabitants, to try, condemn and by an Act to punish them, unheard, which would have been a violation of Natural Justice, even if they had an acknowledged jurisdiction. They have ordered our port to be shut up, leaving us barely so much of the means of subsistence, as to keep from perishing with cold and hunger ; and it is said that a Fleet of British ships of war is to block up our Harbour until we shall make restitution to the East India Company for the loss of their tea, which was destroyed therein the winter past. Obedience is paid to the laws and authority of Great Britain and the revenue is duly collected. New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 19 "This act fills the inhabitants with indignation. The more thinking part of those who have been in favor of the measures of the British Government, look upon it as not to have been expected, even from a barbarous state. This attack, although made immediately upon us, is doubtlessly designed for every other Colony who will not surrender their sacred Rights and Liberties into the Hands of an infamous Ministry. Now, therefore, is the time when all should be united in opposition to this Violation of the Liberties of all. Their grand object is to divide the Colonies. We are well informed that Another Bill is to be brought into Parliament, to distinguish this from the other Colonies by repealing some of the Acts which have been Complained of, and ease the American Trade, but be assured you will be called upon to surrender your Rights, if ever they should succeed in their Attempts to suppress the spirit of Liberty here. The simple Question then is, whether you consider Boston is now suffering in the common cause, and sensibly feel and resent the injury and Affront offered to her. If you do, and we cannot believe otherwise, may we not prove your Approbation of our former Conduct in Defense of American Liberty, rely on your suspending your Trade with Great Britain, at least, which it is acknowledged, will be great but necessary Sacrifice to the Cause of Liberty, and will effectually defend the Design of this Act of Revenge. If this should be done you will please to consider it will be through a voluntary Suffering, greatly short of what we are called upon to endure under the inimical hand of Tyranny. We desire your Answer by the Bearer, and after assuring you, that not in the least intimidated by their inhuman heartlessness, we are still determined to Maintain to the Utmost of our Abilities the Right of America. ^ ^ ^ ("Written with the concurrence of the Committee of Correspondence of the Towns of Charlestown, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Roxbury, Dorchester, Lexington and Lynn.) "To the Committee of Correspondence of Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Portsmouth. "Gentlemen : "Your friends and fellow countrymen, signed by order and in behalf of the Committee of Correspondence. Town of Boston. "W. C. T., Clerk. ("William Cooper, Town Clerk.") Vote of the Town of Boston, May 13th, 1774. "At a meeting of the Freeholders and others, Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, legally qualified and duly warned in public Town Meeting Assembled, at Faneuil Hall, on Friday, the 13th day of May, 1774, Voted: That it is the opinion of this Town, that if the other Colonies came to a joint Resolution to stop all Importations from Great Britain, and Exportations to Great Britain, and every port of the West Indies, till the Act of Blocking up the Harbour be re- pealed, the same will prove the Salvation of North America and her Liberties. On the other hand, if they continue their Exports and Imports, there is a high Reason to fear that Fraud, Power, and other most odious oppression will be Tri- umphant over Right, Justice, social Happiness and Freedom. And moreover that this vote be forthwith transmitted by the Moderator to our Sister Colonies in the Name and Behalf of this Town. "Attest, William Cooper, Town Clerk." 20 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association From Minutes Commitee of Correspondence. New York, May 16th, 1774. "The Merchants and other inhabitants of the city of New York assembled at the Exchange in the said City, and nominated the following gentlemen to form a Committee to Correspond with our Sister Colonies upon All matters of Moment, and that fifteen be a board, all being duly summoned. On Tuesday, the following Notice was published in handbill: 'To the public: An advertise- ment having appeared at the Coffee House, in consequence of the late extraor- dinary and very alarming advices received from England, inviting the Merchants to meet at the house of Mr. Samuel Francis, on Monday evening, May 16th, in order to consult on measures proper to be pursued on the present critical and important occasion. A very respectable and large number of merchants and other inhabitants did accordingly appear at the time and place appointed and then and there nominate for the approbation of the public a committee of fifty persons of which fifteen would be a sufficient number to do business, That, there- fore, no formality may be wanting to constitute a committee duly chosen." "The inhabitants of this city and county are requested to attend at the Coffee House, on Thursday, the 19th instant, at 11 o'clock, to approve of the Committee nominated as before said, or to appoint such other persons as in their discretion and wisdom may seem meet." — New York, May 17th, 1774. "In consequence of the foregoing Advertisement a great concourse of the inhabitants met at the Coffee House, on Thursday, May 19th, to confirm or alter the nomination of a Committee to correspond with our Sister Colonies, when Mr. Isaac Low addressed his fellow citizens in the following words. The nomination of the fifty gentlemen made at the Exchange on the 16th instant, was then sub- mitted by Mr. Low, and confirmed by the meeting and Mr. Francis Lewis was added to the number by unanimous consent." John Alsop, William Bayard, Theophilact Bache, Peter V. B. Livingston, Philip Livingston, Isaac Sears, David Johnston, Charles McEvers, Charles Nicholl, Alexander McDougall, Capt. Thomas Randall, John Moore, Isaac Low, Leonard Lispenard, Jacobus Van Zant, James Duane, Edward Laight, Gerardus Duycknick, Peter Van Schaack, Henry Remsen, Hamilton Young, George Bowne, Peter T. Curtenius, Peter Goelet, Thomas Persall, Elias Desbrosses William Walton Richard Yates, John De Lancey, Miles Sherbrook, John Thurman, , John Broome, John Jay, Abraham Brasher, Benjamin Booth, Joseph Hallett, Charles Shaw, Alexander Wallace, James Jauncey, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Nicholas Hoffman, Abraham Walton, Gerard W. Beekman, Abraham P. Lott David Van Horne, Abraham Duryee, Joseph Bull, William McAdam, Richard Sharpe, Thomas Marston. From Minutes of Committee, New York, May 23rd, 1774. "The Committee appointed to correspond with our Sister Colonies upon all matters of moment, met at the Coffee House, pursuant to the notice for that pur- pose given. Present. . . . The Committee proceeded to choose Mr. Isaac New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 21 Low to be their Chairman, and Mr. John Alsop, their Deputy Chairman. The Committee received a letter from the body of Mechanics, signed by Jonathan Blake, their Chairman, informing them of their concurrence with the other inhabitants of this city in their nominations. And ordered that Mr. Duane, Mr. Jay and Mr. Van Schaack be a committee to draw up a set of Rules for the Regulations of the Committee, and present the same to the next meeting. Ordered that the first five members on the list who shall be in town be a committee to open all letters directed to the Committee in the absence of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman. Letters from the Committee of Correspondence of Boston of the 13th instant and a letter from the Committee of Philadelphia were read. Ordered that Mr. McDougal, Mr. Low, Mr. Duane and Mr. Jay be a committee to prepare and report a draft of an answer to the Boston Committee at eight o'clock p. m., to which hour the Grand Committee were then adjourned." "New York, May 23rd, 1774. "The Committee met at the Coffee House, at 8 o'clock in the evening, pursu- ant to adjournment. The Committee appointed this morning to prepare a draft of a letter in answer to those received from Boston, presented a draft to the Committee, which was unanimously approved of and transmitted to the Committee of Correspondence at Boston, in the following words: "Gentlemen: "New York, May 23rd, 1774. "The alarming Measures of the British Parliament relative to your ancient and respectable Town, which has so long been the Seat of Freedom, fills the In- habitants of this City with inexpressible Concern ; as a Sister Colony suffering in Defence of the Rights of America, we consider your Injuries as a common Cause, to the Redress of which it is equally our Duty and our Interest to contribute. But what ought to be done in a Situation so truly critical, while it employs the anxious Thoughts of every generous Mind, is very hard to be determin'd. Our Citizens have thought it necessary to appoint a large Committee consisting of fif- ty-one Persons to correspond with our Sister Colonies on this and every other Matter of publick Moment : and at ten o'clock this Forenoon we were first assem- bled. Your Letter enclosing the Vote of the Town of Boston, and the Letter of your Committee of Correspondence were immediately taken into consideration. While we thirk you justly entitled to the Thanks of your Sister Colonies for ask- ing their Advice on a Case of such extensive Consequences, we lament our Inabil- ity to relieve your Anxiety by a decisive Opinion. The Cause is general and con- cerns a whole Continent who are equally interested with you and us ; and we fore- see that no Remedy can be of avail, unless it proceeds from the joint Act and Ap- probation of all. From a virtuous and spirited Union much may be expected : while the feeble Efforts of a few will only be attended with Mischief and Disap- pointment to themselves, and Triumph to the Adversaries of our Liberty. Upon these Reasons we conclude that a Congress of Deputies from the Colonies in gen- eral is of the utmost Moment ; that it ought to be assembled without Delay and some unanimous Resolutions formed in this fatal Emergency, not only respecting your deplorable Circumstances, but for the Security of our common Rights. Such being our Sentiments it must be premature to pronounce any Judgment on the Expedient which you have suggested. We beg. however, that you will do us the Justice to believe that we shall continue to act with a firm and becoming Regard to American Freedom, and to co-operate with our Sister Colonies in every Meas- ure which shall be though salutary and conducive to the publick Good. 22 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association "We have nothing to add, but that we sincerely condole with you in your unexampled Distress; and to request your speedy Opinion of the proposed Con- gress, that if it should meet with your Approbation, we may exert our utmost Endeavours to carry it into Execution. "We are with much Respect, Gentlemen "Your most Hbl Servants "By Order of the Committee, "ISAAC LOW, Chairman. "To the Committee of Correspondence in Boston." Minutes of Meeting at Philadelphia. "At a meeting of between two and three hundred of the respectable in- habitants of the city of Philadelphia, at the City Tavern, on Friday evening, May 20th, 1774, the letters from the Boston Committee were read. When it was agreed that a committee be appointed to correspond with our Sister Colonies, names as given. That the Committee be instructed to write to the people of Bos- ton, that we truly feel for their unhappy situation. That we consider them as suffering in the general cause, that we recommend to them firmness, prudence and moderation; and that we shall continue to evidence our firm adherence to the Cause of American Liberty. That the above resolutions be transmitted to the other colonies. That the Committee be instructed to apply to the Governor to call the Assembly of the Province. That they be authorized to call a meeting of the inhabitants when necessary." New York to Philadelphia. "New York, May 24th, 1774. "Gentlemen : "A copy of your letter in answer to those received by express from Boston, having been communicated to the Committee of fifty-one persons, lately appointed by our citizens to correspond with the other colonies on all matters of moment. I am desired by the Committee to transmit you the enclosed copy of their letter to the Committee of Correspondence, Boston. I am also directed to inform you that the sentiments contained in your letter, to the Committee of Boston, are much approved by our Committee, who will be happy in a free and mutual communi- cation of Sentiments on all occasions on matters so important and interesting to the American Colonies. I have the honor to subscribe myself with much respect and regard, by order of the Committee of Correspondence. "I. LOW, Chairman." Letter to Boston from Philadelphia, May 21st, 1774. "Gentlemen : " We have received your very interesting Letter together with a Letter from the Town of Boston and the vote they have passed on the prevailing alarming Occasion, and such measures have been pursued thereon as the shortness of the time would allow. To collect the Sense of this large City is difficult, and when their Sentiments are obtained they must not consider themselves as authorized to New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 23 judge or act for this populous province on a Business so deeply interesting as the present is to all British America. "A very respectable number of the inhabitants of this city was, however, assembled last evening in order to consult what was proper to be done ; and after reading the several Tapers you transmitted to us, and also a letter from the Com- mittee of Correspondence in New York, and enclosed Resolves were passed, in which you may be assured we are sincere, and that you are considered as now Suffering in the general cause. "But what further advice to offer on this sad occasion is a Matter of the greatest Difficulty ; which not only requires more mature Deliberation, but also that we should take the necessary measures to obtain the general sentiments of our fellow inhabitants of this Province, as well as of our Sister Colonies. If sat- isfying the East India Company for the damage they have sustained would put an end to this Controversy, and leave us on the Footing of Constitutional Liberty for the future, it is presumed that neither you nor we could continue a Moment in Doubt what Part to act: for it is not the value of the Tax, but the indefensible Right of giving and granting our own Money, from which we never can recede. That is the Matter now in Consideration. "By what means the truly desirable Circumstances of a Reconciliation and future Harmony with our Mother Country on Constitutional Grounds may be obtained, is, indeed, a Mighty Question: whether by the Method you have sug- gested of a Non-Importation and Non-Exportation Agreement, or by a general Congress of Deputies from the Different Colonies, clearly to state what we con- ceive our Rights, and make a Claim or Petition of them to his Majesty in firm but decent and dutiful terms, (so as that we may know by what line to conduct ourselves in future) are now the great points to be determined. The latter Method we have reason to think would be most agreeable to the people of this Province, and the first step that ought to be taken. The former may be reserved as our last Resource, should the other fail, which we trust will not be the case, as many wise and good men in the Mother Country begin to see the necessity of a good understanding with the Colonies upon the general plan of Liberty, as well as Commerce. We shall endeavor as soon as possible to collect the Sentiments of the People of this Province, and the Neighboring Colonies, on these grand Questions, and should be glad to know your sentiments thereon. "In the Mean, with sincere fellow Feelings for your Sufferings, We are your assured friends, "John Cox, "Jere Warder, Jr., "John Nixon, "William Smith, "Edward Penington, "Charles Thomson, "Sam. Howell, "John Gibson, "Thomas Barclay, "Joseph Moulder, "Thomas Wharton, Jr., "Thomas Mifflen, "William Duhenour of the Committe of Town. On Back. "Letter from Philadelphia received from Mr. Revere, May 28th 1774" From Minutes of New York Committee, May 30, 1774. "Ordered that Messrs. Peter Van Schaack, Francis Lewis, John Jay, Alex- ander McDougall and Theophilact Bache be a Committee to write a Circular Letter to the Supervisors in the different Counties, acquainting them of the ap- 24 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association pointment of this Committee and submitting to the consideration of the inhab- itants of the counties whether it could not be expedient for them to appoint per- sons to correspond with this Committee upon matters relative to the purpose for which they are appointed. The Committee adjourned to meet at the Exchange on Monday next, 6th of June, 1774, at 6 o'clock in the evening." Boston to Philadelphia, May 29th or 30th. (There appears to be Two Dates.) "Gentlemen : "We cannot but felicitate ourselves on that harmony of Sentiment and happy concurrence as to the Mode of action which generally prevails throughout the Colonies, as far as we have been favored with their voice in the present Emergency. "Our hope, our Confidence, (under heaven) rests upon this unanimity of Council and Exertion, as in the Colonies. Hostilities are already commenced on the part of our Enemies, we trust that you are sufficiently aware that resistance should keep pace with the Encroachments of the Adversary. On Our Friends at Philadelphia in a more especial Manner, we are induced to rely. Your early notice and resolutions respecting the late ministerial measure of sending out the teas, inspired your Brethren this way with a determination that the establishment of the Tax on that detested article should not commence in this Colony. "The Machinations of Hutchinson, the Commissioners and Consignees con- stantly frustrated every endeavor to preserve the property of the East India Company, Except by absolute submission to the Tax. We heartily coincide with you in proposal of a general Congress of Deputies from the different Colo- nies for the necessary purpose you mention, and as the general assembly of this colony is now setting, we expect they will be strenuously engaged in promoting so wise and necessary a measure. "But, Gentlemen, you must be convinced, this proposal, however salutary, must be slow in its execution ; an early and general restrain on our Imports and Exports to and from G. B. must operate immediately to our relief. The Exigencies of the Poor, who are numerous with us, and who by the operation of this destructive Act must be reduced to want, require every Method should be taken to relieve them as soon as possible ; in the lenity of the British Government we cannot confide, she must be made to share a part in our distress, before she can be induced to redress our wrongs. "The wise and good in the Mother Country may begin to see the necessity of a good understanding with the Colonies, but we apprehend a general union in the plan of countermanding and withholding orders, and restraining our Exports to that ungrateful Country, must make our weak and wicked Task Masters feel the Inconvenience which must result from these vigorous and impolitic measures. "We enclose you the Proceedings of the Trade, hitherto, who meet again on Thursday next. The Town meet to-day by adjournment, a manly firmness and unanimous resolution to vindicate their just right may be expected of this people. Their determinations, we shall send you by the next opportunity. An address to the late Governor Hutchinson, weak, insolent, and false, has been clan- destinely handed about, a wretched Group of Subscribers consisting of Place- men, Pensioners, and needy Expectants, with a few who have thus dishonored themselves, make up the formidable Lists, in firm confidence you will co-oper- ate with us in every pacific measure to rescue and preserve our Common rights and Liberties. « We remain> etc „ New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 25 On back "Copy of a letter," to Philadelphia. May 30th, 1774. Cornelius Bradford, an express, copy of letter to Philadel- phia, May 29th, 1774. Recorded by Samuel Nutting. Note. — While letter from New York's Committee was written May 23rd and above letter not sent till 29th or 30th. There is no mention made of same. Boston being strongly in favor of "Countermanding and Withholding Orders." Letter from Boston Commitee to Netv York Committee. "Boston, May 30th. "Since the close of the above we are favored with yours of the 23rd Current by Mr. Revere. We flatter ourselves that your concern for our distress and dan- ger, which through us threatens all North America, will prompt you to embrace every opportunity that offers to bring the unhappy dispute to an issue. A speedy, united and vigorous effort is certainly all that can possibly be depended upon to yield us any effectual Relief. This effort on all hands acknowledged to be the suspension of Trade so wisely defined by you. "Our poor are numerous ; their wants are pressing in our best condition ; they must become calamities by lack of employment for any length of time, and unless Great Britain can be made to share part of their distress, we may in vain expect even a relaxation of her vigor on other terms than the vilest submission." "We view a General Congress as a measure indispensable to a reasonable settlement of the politics of this Great Commonwealth, and shall engage our Representatives to forward it in the General Assembly ; but supposing this im- portant measure conducted with all the expedition possible, it must be many months before it can be brought about, whereas a general restraint upon our Exports and Imports from Great Britain must have a speedy and irresistible op- eration upon parties who have hitherto paid little regard to petitions of Right, en- forced by every argument that Justice, Equity and the faith of Solemn Charters can afford. The Address mentioned in the former part of this letter appears in the papers of the day. It was set on foot by some worthless wretches capable of being instigated to any degree of prostitutions to prompt the charadiue of their tottering heirs; who it must be allowed, bestowed as many Commissions on -the unworthy objects, measures of unworthy favors as ever a dispenser of royal fa- vors did in this country. "They have ransacked the country for names, and in due time you will doubtless be informed of their respective characters. We cannot conceive there will be any difficulty respecting the article each colony will be necessitated to con- tinue their demands. None certainly will exceed what are absolutely indispen- sable. It is for such a regulation principally, that many have thought a Congress needful, but we have such an honorable opinion of the good faith of our breth- ren that we can fully rely upon their prudence to settle these matters, each Colony for themselves. Official Copy of Letter to New York, Rec, from Original Letter." Letter from New York Committee to Boston Committee. "Gentlemen: " New York ' J une 7th, 1774. "We have received your favor of the 30th of May. and you may rest assured, we shall eagerly embrace all proper opportunities of contributing our mite toward 26 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association bringing to a favorable issue the unhappy disputes which at present subsist be- tween the parent State and her Colonies. "You say that 'a speedy, united and vigorous effort is certainly all that can be depended upon to yield us any effectual relief, and that this effort is in all hands acknowledged to be the suspension of trade,' So wisely defiended by you." To the first we entirely concur with you in sentiments ; but in the last, we appre- hend you have made a mistake, for on revising our letter to you, so far from find- ing a word mentioned of a 'suspension of trade,' the idea is not even conceived. That and every other resolution, we have thought is most prudent to leave for the discussion of the proposed general Congress. "Adhering, therefore, to that measure as most conducive to promote the grand system of politics we all have in view, we have the pleasure to acquaint you, that we shall be ready on our part to meet at any time and place that you shall think fit to appoint ; either of Deputies from the General Assembly of such other Deputies as shall be chosen, not only to speak their sentiments, but also to pledge themselves for the conduct of the people of the respective Colonies they repre- sent. "We can undertake to assure you in behalf of the people in this Colony, that they will readily agree to any measure that shall be adopted by the General Con- gress. It will be necessary that you give a sufficient time for the Deputies of the Colonies, as far southward as the Carolinas, to assemble and acquaint them as soon as possible with the proposed measure of a Congress. Your letters to the southward of us we will forward with great pleasure. "You may have seen the names of our Committee in the public prints, as we never heard the names of those which constitute your Committee, we request the favor of you to give us that satisfaction in your next. "We beg that your letters for the future may be sealed and directed to our Chairman. "We are, gentlemen, your friends and most humble servants. By order of thG Committee - "I. LOW, Chairman." The strong position taken by New York for a Congress is shown by the above letter. Boston to New York. "Gentlemen: "Boston, June 16th, 1774. "We are favored with yours, June 7th, by our respected friend, Col. Lee. The clause in a former letter in which you apprehend we made a mistake we must explain by observing that the idea of Suspension of Trade we took from a Letter wrote us by your former Committee of Correspondence. We note you are of opinion that it is most prudent to leave every resolution for the discussion of the General Congress, and are pleased with your readiness to meet by your Deputies either of the General Assembly (or other Deputies) in a General Congress at any time or place we shall think fit. We have to inform you that in General Assembly are now setting at Salem, about 20 miles from this metropolis, they have ap- pointed a committee to report on that subject. "From the wisdom, spirit and resolution of our assembly we cannot have the least doubt that they will do everything that will show the world that they regard a union of the Colonies at all times, and especially at this time, as of the utmost importance to the salvation of our rights. We are in hopes to forward you their resolutions by next opportunity, being assured of your realization and New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 27 sympathizing with us in our most distressing condition, and your readiness to afford your good advice and assistance at all times in the common cause of America. "We are with the greatest respect, Gentlemen, Your friends and brothers in the Common Cause for Liberty. "P. S. The Yeomen of this Province have begun a Solemn Agreement to purchase and consume no Goods imported from Great Britain after the first of October, next, which people eagerly subscribe, a copy of which was sent to you last Week. Names of the Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Boston chosen November 2nd, 1772." June 16th, Copy of Letter sent to the Committee of New York, 1774. Re- corded. From Minutes of Nezv York Committee, June 6th. "Ordered that a Committee be appointed to write a letter to the Committee of Correspondence in Boston, acquainting them that we adhere to the Measure of a Congress, and that we shall be ready to meet them at any time and place they shall think fit to appoint, either Deputies from the General Assembly, or such other Deputies as shall be properly chosen and authorized to speak the sen- timents of their different Colonies. That the Committee at Boston give sufficient time for the Deputies of the Colonies to the southward, as far as Carolina, to assemble, and acquaint them with the measure of Congress. Those letters to the southward of us, we shall with pleasure forward. Sub-Commitee for writing the Letter are Peter V. B. Livingston, John Moore, John Broome, John Thurman, Isaac Low. Ordered : That the Committee of Boston be required to give this Committee the names of the persons who constitute the Committee of Corre- spondence at Boston ; that they have made a mistake in answering this Commit- tee's Letter, which mentioned not a word of a suspension of trade, which they say we have so wisely defined, as we leave that measure entirely to the Congress, and we shall readily agree to any measure they shall adopt, to request that their letters for the future be sealed and directed to the Chairman. The Committee adjourned to meet at the Exchange, on Monday, 20th, of this instant, June, at 6 o'clock, in the evening." Massachusetts House of Representatives. "In the House of Representatives, June 17th, 1774. This House having duly considered and being deeply affected with the unhappy differences between Great Britain and the American Colonies, do resolve that a meeting of Commit- tees from several Colonies on this Continent is highly expedient and necessary, to consult upon the present state of the Colonies, and must be reduced by the opera- tion of certain Acts of Parliament respecting America, and to deliberate and de- termine upon wise and proper measures to be by them recommended to all the Colonies for the recovery and establishment of their just rights and liberties, civil and religious, and the restoration of Union and harmony between Great Britain and the Colonies, most ardently desired by all good men, therefore, re- solved that the Honorable James Bowdoin. the Honorable Thomas dishing, Esq.. Mr. Samuel Adams, John Adams and Robert Treat Paine, Esquires, be, and they are hereby appointed, a committee on the part of This Province for the pur- pose aforesaid, any three of whom to be a quorum, to meet such Committees or Delegates for other Colonies, as have been or may be appointed, Either by their 28 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association respective Houses of Burgesses or Representatives or by Convention or by the House of Assembly to meet in this Assembly, to meet in the City of Philadelphia, or any other place that shall be judged most suitable by the Committee, on the first day of September next, and that the speaker of the House of Burgesses or Representatives, in the several Colonies, to inform them of the substances of their resolves." From Minutes New York Committee. "June 29th, 1774. "Mr. McDougal moved, and was seconded by Mr. John Broome, in the fol- lowing motion, viz : That this Committee proceed immediately to nominate five deputies for the City and County of New York, to represent them in a conven- tion of the Colony, or in the General Congress to be held in Philadelphia, on the first of September next, if the other counties of this Colony approve of them as Deputies for the Colony, and that their names be sent to the Committees of Mechanics for their concurrence ; to be proposed on Tuesday next to the free- holders and freemen of this city and county, for their approbation. Debates arising on the foregoing motion, Ordered that the same be postponed until Monday evening, the fourth of July next, then to be finally determined. To which time the Committee adjourned." New York, July 4, 1774. "Captain Sears moved, and was seconded by Mr. P. B. Livingston, that Messrs. Isaac Low, James Duane, Phillip Livingston, John Morin Scott, and Alexander McDougal be nominated agreeable to the question now carried. "There was some opposition manifested against the Committee's nominations, and not until July, when James Duane, Phillip Livingston, John Alsop and Isaac Low were unanimously elected, to represent this city, in the General Congress the first of September next, at Philadelphia." EVACUATION OF NEW YORK, BY THE ENGLISH. November 25th, 1783. This was the closing event of the Revolution. The day on which the last English soldier left our Country should be called The First Day of the United States of America. It was celebrated annually for many years in preference of all other days. Historians have neglected it, until it has passed almost into oblivion, and yet it is one of the most important occasions in our early his- tory. It is true it occurred in New York, as did also General Washington's Fare- well to his officers, December 4th. A most pathetic occasion, a demonstration of the great man's affection for those who had been closely connected and beloved by him for eight trying years. Historians Account. "The remnant of the British army had crossed to Staten Island and Long Island, for embarkation, when on the 25th of November, Washington and the Governor, and other officers of the state and city of New York, were met at the Bowery by Knox and citizens, and in orderly procession made their glad progress into the heart of the Town. Rejoicing followed. The emblem chosen to intro- New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 29 duce the evenings display of fireworks, was a dove with the olive hranch. For their farewell to Washington, the officers of the army, on the fourth of De- cember, met at a public house near the battery, and were joined by their Com- mander. The thoughts of the eight years which had passed together, their com- mon distresses, their victories, and now their parting from the public service, the future of themselves and their country came thronging to every mind pledging them in a glass of wine, he thus addressed them with a heart full of love and gratitude: 'I now take leave of you. May your latter days be as prosperous and happy, as your former ones have been glorious. 1 shall be obliged to you if each of you will come and take me by the hand.' With tears on his cheeks he grasped the hand of Knox, who stood nearest and embraced him. In the same manner he took leave of every officer. Followed by the company, in a silent procession, he passed through a corps of light infantry to the ferry at Whitehall." — Bancroft, Vol. 6, page lob. "On November 23rd, the last British soldiers in America sailed out of New York harbor, and a few days later Washington bade his officers an affectionate farewell in the long hall of Fraunces Tavern." — Muzzey, page 155. "In the spring of 1783, the troops were disbanded, New York was evacuated by the British, November 25th, 1783, and the Revolutionary War was happily over." — Hart. The following historians do not give an account of the evacuation by the English: Channing, Ashley, McLaughlin, West, Woodburn, Montgomery, nor James and Sanford. Actual Account. New York Packet, Thursday, November 20th, 1783. We are favored with the following Orders, issued at W r est Point, the 16th instant." Garrison Orders. "November 16th, 1783. "The Definitive Treaty being concluded, and the City of New York to be evacuated on the 22nd instant, His Excellency, the Commander in Chief, proposes to celebrate the Peace at that Place on Monday, the first day of December next, by a Display of the Fireworks, and illuminations which were intended to have been exhibited at this post, or such of them as have not been injured by Time and can be removed." Saturday, November 22nd, 1783. The Independent Nexv York Gazette. "At a meeting held this evening at Mrs. Capes, the following Resolutions were unanimously entered into, Colonel Frederick Weissenfels in the Chair. 1. Resolved, that the Badge of Distinction to be worn at the Reception of the Governor, on his entrance in this City, be a Union Cockade of Black and White Ribbon, worn on the left breast, and a Laurel in the Hat. 30 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association 2. Resolved, that the Place of meeting be at the Bulls-Head Tavern, now kept by Mrs. Berien, on Saturday next, at 9 o'clock, a. m. 3. Resolved, that if it appear eligible, his Excellency Governor Clinton, and his Excellency General Washington, (should he accompany the Gover- nor) shall be received by the citizens, drawn up in the form of a Square, and in that manner conducted to his Quarters. 4. Resolved, that the Field and Other Officers who now serve, or hereto- fore have served in the Continental Army, be requested to form them- selves on the Flanks of the Square, in the conducting of his Excellency. 5. Resolved, that Mr. Samuel Broome, M. Henry A. Renevene, Captain Jeremiah Wool, Thomas Randall, Patrick Dennis, Messrs. Francis Van Dyck, Henry Kipp, William Gilbert, Sa. Sen. Peter Bryant, Ephraim Brasher, William Gilbert Junior, Thomas Tucker, and George January, Thirteen in number, be a committee for the purpose of conducting the Procession. 6. Resolved, that the Committee do meet to-morrow, at 1 1 o'clock, a. m., at the Coffee House ; and that Captain Randall and Captain Dennis notify the Members thereof. 7. Resolved, that if the whole of the Committee should not be present The attending members be authorized to appoint others in their place. 8. Resolved, that Mr. James McKinney be requested to furnish the Laurels and deposit them at the Bulls-Head. 9. Resolved, that Mr. Daniel Green be requested to carry the colors of the United States on the occasion." The Independent New York Gazette. Saturday, November 22nd, 1783. "At a Meeting of a number of the American Army, held at the Request of the Exiled Inhabitants of the City of New York, for the purpose of adopting a Mode to receive his Excellency Governor Clinton, and his Excellency General Washington, on their entrance in this city. It is proposed, that all the Officers of the Line and Staff, who are now or may be in Town meet at Mr. Cape's Tavern, at nine o'clock to-morrow morning, and march in column to the Bulls-Head, in the Bowery Lane. On the arrival of their Excellencies, the officers will wheel by Platoons, and form a column in the Rear of the American advanced Guard, and in Front of the Governor and General. The citizens at the same Time will march by Files on each Flank of Their Excellencies, and form a column in the Rear. Colonel Weissenfels is requested to lead a column of American Officers." Saturday, November 29th, 1783. The Independent New York Gazette. "Last Tuesday Morning the American troops marched from Harlem to Bow- ery-Lane. They remained there until about one o'clock, when the British troops left the posts in the Bowery, and the American troops marched into, and took possession of the city, in the following order, viz : 1. A Corps of Dragoons. 2. Advanced Guard of Light Infantry. 3. A Corps of Artillery. 4. Battalion of Massachusetts Troops. 5. Rear Guard. New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 31 "After the Troops had taken possession of the city, the General and Governor made their Public Entry in the following manner: 1. Their Excellencies the General and Governor with their suits on horse- back. 2. The Lieutenant Governor, and members of the Council, for the tempo- rary Government of the Southern District, four abreast. 3. Major General Knox, and the officers of the Army, eight abreast. 4. Citizens on Horseback, eight abreast. 5. The Speaker of the Assembly, and citizens on foot, eight abreast. 6. Their Excellencies the Governor and Commander in Chief were escorted by a body of Westchester Light Horse, under the command of Captain Delaran. The Procession proceeded down Queen street and through Broadway to Capes Tavern. The Governor gave a public Dinner at Fraunces Tavern, at which the Commander in Chief and other General Officers were present. After dinner the following Toasts were drank by the Company. 1. The United States of America. 2. His Most Christian Majesty. 3. The United Netherlands. 4. The King of Sweden. 5. The American Army. 6. The Fleet and Armies of France, which were served in America. 7. The Memory of those heroes who have fallen for our Freedom. 8. May our Country be grateful to our Military Children. 9. May Justice support, what courage has gained. 10. The Vindicators of the Rights of Mankind in Every Quarter of the Globe. 11. May America be an Asylum to the Persecuted on the Earth. 12. May a close Union of the States guard the Temple they have raised to Liberty. 13. May the Remembrance of This Day be a lesson to the Princes." "The arrangement and whole conduct of This March, with the tranquillity which succeeded it, through the day and night, was admirable ; and the grateful citizens will ever feel the most affectionate impression, from that elegant and efficient disposition which prevailed through the whole event."— The Independent New York Gazette. "Si r: "New York, December 4th, 1783. "I have the honour to transmit you the following copy of a Letter from Commander in Chief to Major General Knox, who requests you to publish it to the troops under your command in the Order of this day. "I am Sir, your obedient servant, "Hon. Brigadier-General H. Jackson. J. Shaw, A.D.C. "Sir: "New York, 3rd December, 1783. "The splendid display of the fireworks last evening was so highly satisfac- tory that I must request you to present to Captain Price, under whose directions they were prepared; and to the officers who assisted him, my thanks for the great skill and attention shown in the conduct of that business." "Your most obedient sen-ant, "Signed Major General Knox." G. Washington. 32 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association Washington's Farewell to His Officers Long Room Fraunces Tavern, December 4th, 1783 Washington's Farewell to His Officers. Rivington's New York Gazette, December 6th, 1783. "Last Thursday noon, the principal officers of the army in town assembled at Fraunces Tavern, to take a final leave of their illustrious, Gracious, and much loved Commander, General Washington. The passions of human nature were never more tenderly agitated than in this interesting and distressful scene. His Excellency having filled a glass of wine, thus addressed his brave fellow soldiers : 'With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you ; I most devotedly wish, that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been gracious and honorable.' "The words produced extreme sensibility on both sides, they were answered by warm expressions and fervent wishes, from the Gentlemen of the Army, whose truly patriotic feelings, it is not in our power to convey to the reader, soon after this scene was closed. His Excellency the Governor, the Honourable, the Coun- cil and citizens of the first distinctions, waited on the general and in terms most affectionate took their leaves. "The Corps of the Light Infantry was drawn up in a line, the Commander in Chief, about two o'clock, passed through them, on his way to Whitehall, where he embarked in his barge for Powles Hook. He is attended by General Le Baron de Steuben, proposes to make a short stay at Philadelphia, will thence proceed to Annapolis, where he will resign his Commission of General of the American Armies into the hands of the Continental Congress, from whom it was derived." New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 33 INAUGURATION OF GEORGE WASHINGTON. As First President of the United States under the New Constitution, April 30th, 1789. Since the close of the War no event of such importance had occurred. It was the launching of the new Government and the first President chosen by the vote of the people. While New York justly celebrated the occasion in most fitting manner, historians have given it but little consideration in their histories. While occurrences of much less importance have had pages devoted to them. Washington's Inauguration. Historians Account. "As he touched the soil of New York, he was welcomed by the two Houses of Congress, by the Governor of the State, by the Magistrates of the City, by its people, and, so attended, he proceeded on foot to the Modest Mansion lately occu- pied by the presiding officer of the Confederate Congress. On that day he dined with Clinton. In the evening the city was illuminated. On the Thirtieth, the day appointed for the inauguration, Washington being fifty-seven years, two months and eight days old, was ceremoniously received by the two houses in the hall of the Senate. Stepping out to the middle compartment, on a balcony which had been raised in front of it, he found before him a dense throng, extend- ing to Broad street and filling Wall street to Broadway. All were hushed, as Livingston, the chancellor of the State, administered the Oath of Office, but when he cried, 'Long Live George Washington, President of the United States,' the air was rent with huzzahs which were repeated as Washington bowed to the Multitude." — Bancroft, page 470. "Washington's first inauguration occurred in New York, April 30th, 1789, after a triumphal journey from his home at Mt. Vernon, Va. The oath of office was administered on the balcony of Federal Hall in Wall street, the populace shouting its approval 'Long live George Washington, President of the United States.' — Ashley, page 210. April 30th, on the balcony of Federal Hall, in New York City, the oath of office was administered. Washington then read his inauguration address in the presence of Congress assembled, went to St. Paul's Chapel where prayers were offered. Formal addresses were presented to the President by both Houses of Congress." — Sanford, page 162. "It was not until April 30th, 1789, that George Washington took the oath of Office, as first President of the United States."— Channing, page 230. "Not until the 30th of April did he take oath of office. The place was the Senate Balcony, of Federal Hall. The scene was an impressive one."— MCLOUGHLIN. "It took the entire month of April for the Houses to organize to Count the electoral vote, notify Washington formally of his election, and witness the cere- mony of his inauguration as first President of the United States, April ?oth "— Muzzey, page 186. "April 30th Washington was inaugurated with great state and solemnity."— West, page 335. 34 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association "Washington was received in New York by thousands of enthusiastic people. On April 30th, 1789, he was solemnly inaugurated at Federal Hall, on Wall street, where he took the oath of office and made a simple and earnest speech." — Hart, page 36. "The President took the Oath of Office standing on the balcony of a building in Front of Federal Hall, the hall where Congress met, in presence of an im- mense Multitude. There, amidst ringing of bells and firing of cannon, a great shout went up, "Long live George Washington, President of the United States." — Montgomery, page 196. Actual Account. Washington's Inauguration. The New York Journal and Weekly Register. Thursday, April 23rd, 1789. "On Monday last, arrived in this city amidst the acclamations of all ranks of citizens, his Excellency, John Adams, Esq., Vice President of the United States. The cavalcade which escorted his Excellency into the City was numerous, and truly respectable. From the Connecticut line to Kingsbridge, he was at- tended by the Light Horse of Westechester county, under the command of Major Pintard. At Kingsbridge he was met by General Malcolm with the officers of his brigade and the city troops of horses, commanded by Capt. Stakes, also by officers of distinction. Many members of Congress and a large number of citi- zens in carriages, and on horseback. On passing the fort a federal salute was fired. His Excellency alighted at the house of the Honorable John Jay, Esq. A committee of both Houses of Congress, appointed for that purpose, attended to congratulate his Excellency on his arrival." (There is a long account of his taking the Chair of Office.) New York Journal, April 16th, 1789. "A superb barge, elegantly decorated, is preparing in this city to receive that beloved soldier and statesman George Washington, Esq., at Elizabeth Town Point, to conduct him to the City. She will be rowed by 12 pilots under the su- perintendence of Messrs. Randell and Nicholson." New York Journal, April 23rd, 1789. "This day, it is expected his Excellency George Washington will arrive, on which occasion every true American will feel the twofold emotions of gratitude and respect." The New York Gazette and Weekly Register. April 30th, 1789. "The following arrangements of the Fire Works to be exhibited this evening at the Fort under the Direction of Colonel Banman. in the Honor of the Day. There were fifty pieces." (There was such a crowd in the city the following ap- peared in the papers.) A Caution, April 30th. "This being the day on which our illustrious President is sworn into office, of course a day of felicity and joy, let us therefore, in order to prevent any disa- greeable consequences, or accident that may arise from horses and carriages, New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 35 request our fellow citizens to dispense with them in the evening at the fireworks, we having on a similar occasion, some time since, lost a worthy and respectable citizen by being run down by a coach." New York Journal and Weekly Register, Thursday, April 30, 1789. "It is impossible to do justice in an attempt to describe the scene Exhibited on his Excellency's approach to the city. Innumerable multitudes thronged the streets, the wharves, and the shipping, awaiting with pleasing anticipation of his arrival." Then follows an account of the procession which escorted him to his residence, after a reception at the Coffee House. "On Saturday the Chamber of Commerce met at the Coffee House about half after 11 o'clock, in consequence of a special call from the President of the United States, from hence they proceeded in form to the home of his Excellency, headed by John Broome, Theophylack Bache, and John Murray, Esqs." (Then follows the account of the call with address made by the President and Mr. Broome.) Neiv York Journal and Weekly Register. New York, May 7th. "Last Thursday, agreeable to the resolution of both houses of Congress, the inauguration of the President of the United States was solemnized. At nine o'clock, a. m., the people assembled in the several churches to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the New Government, its favor and protection to the President and success and acceptance to his administration. About twelve o'clock the pro- cession moved from the House of the President in Cherry street, thorugh Queen, Great Dock and Broad street, to Congress Hall in the Following order: Col. Lewis, attended by two officers. Captain Stakes, with troop of Horse. Major Van Horn, Grenadiers, under Captain Harsin. German Grenadiers under Captain Scriba. Major Bicker, the infantry of the Brigade, Major Chrysrie, Sheriff, Civil Officers, Committee of the Senate. Assistants. The President, Assistants and His Suit. Committee of Representatives, Hon. Mr. Jay, Gen. Knox, Chancellor Liv- ingston, and Several Gentlemen of Distinction. When within a proper distance of the Hall the troops formed a line on both sides of the way. the President passing through, was conducted into the Senate Chamber, and introduced to both Houses of Congress. Immediately after, accom- panied by the two houses, he was conducted into the gallery, adjoining the Senate Chamber and fronting Broad street, where in the presence of the immense con- course of citizens, the oath prescribed by the constitution was administered to him by the Hon. R. R. Livingston. Esq.. Chancellor of the State of New York. The Chancellor then proclaimed him the President of the United States, which was followed by the instant discharge of 13 cannon and loud repeated shouts, the President bowing to the people ; the air again rang with their acclamations ; he then retired with the two Houses to the Senate Chambers where he made a speech, which find 2nd page. 3rd column of this paper. The President, accom- panied by the Vice-President, the speaker of the House of Representatives, and both houses of Congress then went to St. Paul's Chapel, where divine service was performed by the Right Rev. D. Provost. Bishop of the Episcopal Church in this state, and Chaplain to the Senate. 36 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association "The transparent paintings, exhibited in various parts of the city, in the evening, were equal at least, to anything of the kind ever before seen in America. That displayed before the fort at the bottom of Broadway, did great honor to its inventors and executors, for the ingenuity of the design, and goodness of the workmanship, it was finely lighted and advantageously situated. The virtues, Fortitude, Justice, and Wisdom, were judiciously applied; of the first, all America has had the fullest evidence ; and with respect to the two others, who does not entertain the most pleasing anticipations. His Excellency, Don, Gardoquois' residence next caught the eye, and fixed it in pleasing contemplation ; the 'Toute en semble' have formed a most brilliant part the figures well fancied ; the Gracis suggested the best ideas: and the pleasing variety of Emblems, flowers, shrubbery, arches, and above all, the moving Pictures that figured in the win- dows or as it were in the background, by fixing the transparencies between the windows afforded a new, animated, and enchanting spectacles. The residence of his Excellency Count Monstier, was illuminated in a style of novel elegance. The splendid bordering of lamps round the windows, doors, etc., with the fancy piece in each window, and, above all, the large designs in front, did great honor to the taste and sentiment of the inventors. The portrait of General Washington exhibited in Broad street was extremely well executed. There was an excellent transparency also shown at the Theatre and at the corner near the Fly Market. The illumination of the Congress hall was among the most agreeable of the Ex- hibitions of the evening and the ship 'Carolina,' formed a beautiful pyramid of stars ; the evening was fine. The company innumerable. Every one appeared to enjoy the scene and no accident cast the smallest cloud upon the retrospect. "On the morning of first inst. the President received the compliments of the Vice President, the Governor of the State, the principal officers of the different departments ; the foreign ministers and also a great number of other persons of distinction. We are informed that the President has assigned every Tuesday and Friday, between the hours of two and three for receiving visits ; and that visits of compliment on other days, and particularly on Sundays, will not be agreeable to him. The President on this day of his inauguration appeared dressed in a complete suit of homespun clothes ; but the cloth was of so fine a fabric, and so handsomely finished that it was universally mistaken for a foreign manufactured superfine cloth. The Vice- President appeared also in a suit of American manu- facture and several members of both Houses are distinguished by the same token of attention to the manufacturing interests of their country." A Historian's Idea of New York. From History of the American Nation. By Andrew C. McLoughlin. Professor of American History in the University of Michigan. Having devoted about ten pages eulogizing New England says: Page 161. "In New York was King's College, established about the middle of the Century. It was not largely attended and did not materially effect the ideals of the Colony. The lower schools throughout the colony were neither good nor plentiful. In New Jersey, thanks to the large New England element there, a few good schools were found." The New York newspapers of a contemporary date give very full accounts of King's College Commencements, also of Erasmus and other schools for both girls and boys. Showing the deep interest our citizens took in the Early Educa- New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 37 tion of their children, and such men as Jay, Duane, Hamilton, Paine, McDougall and many others lead us to believe New York did not lack for proper education as in the New York Society Library were "proper" books to read. A Few Facts Generally Overlooked by Historians. The Freedom of the Press was first established through the trial of John Peter Zenger, publisher of the "New York Weekly Journal," August 4th, 1735. The first preconcerted demonstration against the Crown occurred July 10th, 1764, in New York. "Four fishermen were arrested from on board their vessel and carried on board a tender from Halifax, belonging to one of his Majesty's Ships stationed there. On the nth, when the Captain of the tender came ashore in his barge, a mob seized the boat and Captain, who publicly declared he gave no such orders. He was offered no personal injuries, was taken to the Coffee House, (Southeast corner of Wall and Water streets.) The barge was dragged through the streets to the middle of the green, in the fields, (City Hall Park) and burned. The Captain wrote an order and the fishermen were brought ashore." October 31st, 1765. "A meeting of the Merchants was held at Burns' Coffee House, where they organized a Non-Importation Association. The Committee was composed of the most active members of the Sons of Liberty." George Bancroft, Page 386, Vol. Ill, says: "New York alone had been true to its engagements and its imports had fallen off more than five parts in six." "The first blow for Liberty was December 14th, 1774. The Capture of Fort William and Mary, at New Castle, in Portsmouth harbor, New Hampshire. The Colonists captured the fort and with it ninety-seven bags of powder, and one hundred stands of arms. They were later used at, 'Battle of Bunker Hill.' The Battle of Lexington was April 19th, four months later. Another early engage- ment, prior to July 4th, 1776, was the battle of Moor's Creek, North Carolina. February 27th, 1776. "A force of Colonists under Col. Richard Caswell, captured after a short engagement, nine hundred prisoners, (Highlanders) two thousand stand of arms and fifteen hundred pounds sterling in gold." August 23rd, 1775. "The British Ship 'Asia,' during the night, fired upon the Sons of Liberty who were removing some cannon from the battery. The fire was returned, resulting in killing of one man from the 'Asia' and wounding sev- eral Sons of Liberty. An eighteen pound ball was shot into the roof of Fraun- ces Tavern." Thomas Pain's pamphlet "Common Sense," was no doubt one of the most convincing ever writen in this country. Edition after Edition were published, and was read throughout England, as well as in America. George Washington wrote Joseph Reed: "The sound doctrine and unanswerable reasoning con- tained in the pamphlet, 'Common Sense' will not leave numbers at a loss to decide upon the propriety of separation. George Washington was born 1732, February nth, and that date was cele- brated until 1790. Boston, Philadelphia and other cities had paid their honor to his Natal day. Through oversight, New York had neglected to do so. The ac- counts of the observance of February nth were being published in the newspa- pers, much to the chagrin of our citizens. The Societv of Tammany were to hold a meeting on the 22nd when some member figured' February nth, old cal- endar, was the 22nd, new calendar (the calendar changed 1752) and on that date did due honor to "the day." Since which time February 22nd has been the ac- cepted date. 38 The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association The title given to George Washington "First President of the United States" is a misnomer, and not adopted until after the inauguration of John Adams. Just when is not known. Washington was called "The President" and "Our President." The Proper title was, First President of the United States under the New Constitution. On return of the "Exiles" after the evacuation of New York many were greatly impoverished and "Moratorium" being unknown. The Debtors' prison was soon filled with the unfortunate. What remained from public and private banquets was sent to them. On Christmas the more fortunate sent them remem- brances. The Chamber of Commerce and the Marine Society are about the same age, being organized in 1769. To them is largely due our Commercial Supremacy, as Philadelphia, Boston and Charleston were at one time larger ports of entry. By ottering of prizes for the encouraging of industries, the adjustment of business differences, the regulation of charges in all commercial matters. The Chamber of Commerce had acquired a reputation for the highest standard of Justice. Gen. Washington, almost immediately on his arrival for inauguration, requested them to call upon him. The Marine Society was organized for the "relief of distressed shipmasters or their widows and children." This was soon extended, until it in- cluded all matters pertaining to the port of New York. April 13th, 1789, they had built a barge to convey Gen. Washington from Elizabethtown Point to New York, for his inauguration, it was rowed by Thirteen Captains with Captain Ran- dell acting as Coxswain. The banner of the Society, carried at that time, is still in their possession. Gen. Washington was a member of the Society. Historians have given Philadelphia and other cities "The Glory of the finan- cial assistance" given our government during its many trying periods overlooking that by the Bank of New York and the Manhattan Company. Yet in 1791, when our credit was at almost lowest ebb, its securities selling at about 25 cents on the dollar the Bank of New York came to its assistance and bought its bonds. Again in 1792, with a loan of $200,000, and 1795 of $120,000 more. The state being hard pressed for money the bank took from them at par $1,300,000 in Govern- ment Bonds which were then quoted at 25 to 50% discount, on many other oc- casions this Bank came to the assistance of our Federal and State Governments. The Manhattan Company organized the Merchants Coffee House, in 1799, soon entered into generous competition to protect the credit of our then new coun- try, and yet those two old and solid financial institutions are overlooked by His- torians. Historians mention but few of the following societies, yet had they taken time to have read of the good deeds each and all of them did in the early days of our Country, and so contributed to its building into a great Nation, New York would to-day feel still prouder of our City in the time of our Great Grandfathers. New York Marine Society. New York Chamber of Commerce. New York Committee on Manufactures. New York Free and Accepted Masons. Bank of New York. Society of the New York Hospital. St. Andrews Society. St. George Society. Society of the Cincinnati. Society Sons of St. Patrick. New York Society Library. Society for Relief of Distressed Debtors. St. Nicholas Society. Society of Tammany, Columbian Order. New York Stock Exchange. The Wigs, of the Episcopal Church. The Manhattan Company. Columbia University. The New York University. The Old Churches of Our City. New York's Commercial Tercentenary, 1914 39 The New York Commercial Tercentenary Commission Incorporated by Chapter 313 of the Laws of 1913 of the State of New York to Celebrate in 1914 the Three-Hundredth Anniversary of the Beginning of the Chartered Commerce of New York Honorary Presidents His Excellency the Governor of New York State Martin H. Glynn His Honor the Mayor of New York City John Purroy Mitchei.i. President Gen. Howard Carroll, 41 Park Row, New York 1st Presiding, Hon. Alton B Louis Annin Ames Vincent Astor August Belmont Andrew Carnegie, LL.D. Hon. Joseph H. Choate Hon. George B. Cortelyou Hon. Robert W. de Forest George J. Gould Vice-Presidents Parker 2nd Presiding, George Clarence H. Mackay Hon. Morgan J. O'Brien Hon. N. Taylor Phillips Edward P. V. Ritter John D. Rockfeller, Jr. Col. Henry W. Sackett Jacob H. Schiff F. Kunz, Ph.D., Sc. D. Isaac N. Seligman Hon. Theodore P. Shont>i Hon. R. A. C. Smith James Speyer Henry R. Towne Theodore N. Vail Arthur Williams William Ziegler, Jr. Treasurer Messrs. J. P. Morgan & Co. Secretary Edward Hagaman Hall, L.H.D. Assistant Secretary A. E. MacKinnon The Lower Wall Street Business Men's Association ORGANIZED 1883 L. W. Minlord. Treaiurcr 106 Wall Sireei Vitt'Prtstdtnti Edwin F. Atkini Joseph Cullman, Jr. Edward H. Hall Anion W. Hard Henry Hentz Adolph Lewisohn Lomax Liltlejohn George H. Macy Thomas H Messenger Edwin H. Peck James H. Post Claus A. Spreckels Charles M. Warnci Honorary Preiijent Hon. Sr.TH Low. President. Chamber ol Commerce ol State ol New York William Bayne. Jr . Preiideni Honorary V ice-Preiidentt Edward E. McCa!! Sons of St. Patrick Frederick De Peyster Foster New York Society Library Herbert L. Griggs Bank ol New York Charles Evans Hawthorne St. Johns Lodge A. Y. M. Pierre Jay Manhattan Company George Austin Morrison St. Andrews Society ol the Slate of New York H. G. S. Noble New York Stock Exchange Charlea A. O'Donohue Tontine Society Talbot Olyphant Society of the Cincinnati J. W. Proctor New York Marine Society Abram Wakemati, Seeretait 96 Water Street Executive Committet James A. Taylor. Chairman William H. Bennett Lambert V. B. Cameron Charles Fox George Hewlett Frank C. Lowry L. W. Minlord James M. Montgomery Benjamin H. Old Louis Seligsberg Benjamin F. Simmons Abram Wakcman Rosa W. Weir PBESS of ^Joseph D.^ AVERY \